Private sector to participate in $ 2bn stealth fighter project
The ministry of defence ( MoD) has invited the private sector to participate in the $ 2 billion project involving design and manufacture of technology demonstrators ( TDs) and prototypes of the next generation stealth fighter, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA). A new manufacturing facility would be built in the new defence corridor proposed in Tamil Nadu. The Aeronautical Development Agency ( ADA), Bengaluru, the nodal organisation which designed ‘ Tejas’ fighter jets, would provide detailed drawings and technical specifications of the twin- engine, twin military jet to the industry as part of the ‘ Make in India’ initiative, sources in MoD told this newspaper.
Sources said ADA has released a detailed document along with the Request for Expression of Interest to industries for manufacture of two technology demonstrators as well as the prototypes. The aircraft structure has been divided into the fuselage, wing area as well as the length of the jet and wing span and aircraft volume. And Carbon fiber composites would be used extensively in the new aircraft.
The schedule: three- andhalf years for the first TD from the date of execution of the contract with ADA, and the second TD within four years. The flight tests of these technology demonstrators are likely to be completed in six years, followed by development of prototypes of AMCA.
Sources said the initiative would provide the private sector an opportunity to participate and gain experience in manufacture of an advanced fighter aircraft, and also help the industry to bid for projects in the global aerospace market, according to the sources.
The twin- engine multirole combat aircraft would be designed for air superiority, ground attack, interception and other types of missions.
The AMCA would combine advanced technologies such as supercruise, stealth, AESA radars, advanced avionics to overwhelm previous generation fighter jets as well as ground and maritime defences.
Along with its naval variant, the AMCA would provide the bulk of manned tactical airpower of the Indian Air Force ( IAF) and Indian Navy ( IN), sources added.